deflection

Everyday

1. A change in direction when something bounces off or is pushed sideways: «The ball went in off a deflection». tree →
2. (science) The amount something bends or moves aside under a force, such as a beam under a load or a needle on a meter: «the deflection of the compass needle». tree →
3. Turning attention, blame or a question away from yourself onto something else: «His joke was just a deflection». tree →

In the lessons

In football and other sports, a goal scored «off a deflection» changed direction when it hit another player. In science lessons on forces, magnets deflect a compass needle, and light can be deflected (bent) by mirrors and lenses. In PSHE and media literacy, «deflection» is avoiding a hard question by changing the subject or blaming others. Phrases: «a deflection off», «deflection of the needle», «a lucky deflection».

Examples

• The goal came from a lucky deflection off a defender. tree →
• The magnet caused a deflection of the compass needle. tree →
• We measured the deflection of the ruler when we hung weights on it. tree →
• When asked about the broken vase, his answer was a clear deflection. tree →
• Without that deflection the shot would have missed. tree →
• The deflection of light by a prism splits it into colours. tree →

Note

Spelled «deflection» (UK sometimes «deflexion», old). Verb: «deflect». In science, «deflection» is often measured in millimetres or degrees. In sport commentary, «a wicked deflection» means a big, unlucky change of direction.